LIFESAVING signs warning islanders of the dangers of water have been installed following a veteran councillors' campaign.

Information boards have been put up at Holehaven Creek, Canvey, by the Port of London Authority due of string of safety concerns.

The signs provide practical tips including guidelines on wearing life jackets, using a kill cord to cut a boat’s engine and navigating through the water in a way that is sympathetic to wildlife and other river users.

Ray Howard, Tory councillor for Canvey West, said he campaigned to have the sign installed as he believes it will be crucial for islanders in years to come.

He said: “The advice given is very clear, and it will save lives because it has everything you would want to know there to stay safe.

“It really is a lovely sign, and I would urge people to familiarise themselves with it before using the water so they are fully prepared.

“Check it, read it clearly and then that way we can hope it will improve safety in the water not just there, but right the way along the Thames Estuary.”

The boards also contain information on how to use a smartphone to stay safe and the coordinates of the water.

Over the years, there have been several reports of antisocial behaviour, as well as youngsters swimming the creek and messing about in the mud.

As part of the attempts to improve safety, fencing protecting unmanned jetties on Canvey have also been put up.

Mick Allwood, station officer at Canvey Coastguard, has welcomed the measures.

He said: “I worked as a trawler man for 17 years on those waters and have had some good times there.

“But sadly I’ve seen some bad things there too, and working as a coastguard I am all too familiar with the danger water poses. So any safety advice for the public is very important indeed.

“The advice they are giving is very sensible, in particular information about kill cords, which for very little money, is a useful bit of kit which can save lives.”

The sign adds to similar notices by up at Wat Tyler Country Park, in Basildon and Two Tree Island, Leigh.

For more information on Holehaven Creek, visit pla.co.uk/Environment/Holehaven-Creek-SSSI.